Notwithstanding UN sanctions against Myanmar, India on Tuesday decided to go ahead with the Kaladan multi-modal transport project and other developmental programmes with the neighbouring country as they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various sectors here.

After wide-ranging talks between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Myanmarese Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu, the two sides decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of a centre for enhancement of information technology skills at Yangon.

Kyaw, who arrived on a two-day visit on Tuesday, also held discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, covering a wide range of topics including regional and international developments.

Describing Myanmar as a “close and friendly” neighbour of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the talks were marked by cordiality reflecting the nature of bilateral ties.

“India is committed to extend assistance to Myanmar on various developmental projects of mutual benefit, including the Kaladan multi-modal transport project,” the MEA said in a statement after the Foreign Office Consultations.

The UN recently imposed economic sanctions against military-ruled Myanmar and the West has been pressing India to act on similar lines.

India, while favouring ushering in of inclusive democracy in Myanmar, has been opposing coercion against the country where it has multi-faceted interests, involving economic and security aspects.

India and Myanmar share 1,600 km of border and New Delhi has been seeking cooperation from Yangon on curbing activities of northeast militants who take shelter there.

India also has energy interests in Myanmar. The bilateral trade between the two countries is to the tune of nearly one billion dollars.

“Myanmar also serves as a gateway to South-East Asia for India,” the statement said.

The Foreign Office consultations is an annual feature and is one of the seven institutional mechanisms between the two countries for bilateral dialogue.